Red Lion Mural

Authors (designated by a quill and inkpot)

Sir George Grove – (1820-1900) Engineer and Musicologist, known as the founding editor of Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Grove was a successful civil engineer, but his love of music drew him into musical administration. Grove was the first director of the Royal College of Music from its foundation in 1883 until his retirement in 1894.  Sir George inherited Watercroft and Stonehouse.

Sir Oliver Millar GCVO– (1923-2007) Van Dyck in England.   Art Historian, Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures, serving in the Royal Household for 41 years.  Anthony Blunt formerly held the position.  Sir Oliver was leading authority on Anthony Van Dyck.  He and his family lived in Yonder Lodge for 35 years then later at The Cottage on the Back Common.

Delia, Lady Millar CVO – (1931-2004) Queen Victoria’s water colours. A specialist in Victorian era art and appointed Commander of the Royal Victoria Order in recognition of her services in cataloguing Queen Victoria’s watercolours.  Married to Sir Oliver Millar.

Elizabeth von Arnim – (1866-1941) Countess von Arnim-Schlagenthin and by her second marriage Countess Russell.  English novelist born Mary Annette Beauchamp in Australia, most known for her critically acclaimed tragi-comedy novel Vera. Her ashes lie in St. Margaret’s, next to her brother Sir Sydney Beauchamp.

Walter de la Mare – (1873-1956) Poet, best remembered for his works for children, his poem The Listeners and for his highly acclaimed psychological horror stories, married the actress Constance Elfrida Ingpen.  She is buried in St. Margaret’s.  They lived in Old Park, Hammersley Lane.

Alison Uttley – (1884-1976) Best known for her children’s novels Little Grey Rabbit, Sam the Pig, and The Magic in my Pocket which mentions the Penn Fair and The Red House.  Buried in Holy Trinity, Penn.

To Quote John Betjeman – ‘Penn is the Chelsea of the Chilterns’, so he must have visited Penn and is frequently quoted!

Veronica Papworth – (1913-1992) Journalist and illustrator. She bought Stonehouse in 1952 from the Grove family who had lived and farmed there since the middle ages.  Veronica also developed much of the property around Penn, including Groves Barn, The White House, (turning one house in to three), and converting one house into what are now St. Margaret’s and Sylvester Cottage.

Margaret Laurence CC – (1926-1987) Canadian female novelist and short story writer, founder of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, and Writer in Residence at the University of Toronto. She lived in Elm Cottage, Beacon Hill.

Elizabeth Taylor – (1912-1975) Described by Antonia Fraser as ‘one of the most under-rated writers of the 20th century’, known for her many novels and short stories, most famously The Soul of Kindness. She lived in Groves Barn.

Ronald Saunders – Author and local historian whose own research provided information for this project. Author of Penn & Tyler’s Green in the Great War and the men who did not return, Someday we’ll understand. 

Miles Green – (b.1941-) History of Penn and Tylers Green.  A former Army officer and diplomat, postman, Penn Parish Clerk, historian and author of books such as Mansions and Mud Houses, whose research was the basis for this project.

The BOTTOM LEFT shelf contains the names of the residents who having entered into a raffle, won the chance to have their own book spine.

The Urquhart Clan – Jon and Kim Urquhart moved into Little Barn in Penn back in 1987 and subsequently had two beautiful daughters, Danielle and Gabby.  Both went to the First and Middle Schools and live locally with their partners. We all love this Village.

The Hemping Hand – Sidney Farrell, Lily Farrell and Jasmin Murphy www.hempinghand.co.uk

Penn Adventures of Mala, Simran, Bonnie and Arjan –The title of this book is inspired by our two children, Mala and Simran, who are creating tales of adventure, whilst growing up in Penn village, with Bonnie, our inquisitive black schnauzer. Our children are British born and both share a deep connection and intrigue with their parent’s cultures and heritage, Punjab and Australia. Our daughter, Mala loves writing stories and creating unique characters, so it was her idea to create, Arjan, the koala, wearing a hot pink turban, to signify her multi-cultural upbringing, playfulness and sense of adventure.

The Bar is open – The Rokers.  Phil, Madalyn & Cameron have been happy residents on Beacon Hill since 2017.  Madalyn has thrown herself into volunteering and sport in the village whilst Phil is an avid Brentford fan and keen sportsman, which he fits around running a London catering business. Cameron qualified as a vet in 2022 specialising in equine practice but still retaining her P&TG Tennis club membership.  They all enjoy hosting friends and family both at home and in The Red Lion, so, ‘The Bar is Open’ seemed an appropriate title for their book.

The Nagundo Tree – Ash Claydon. The local florist whose business started right here at The Red Lion in 2016. Creating wild floral arrangements with locally grown flowers.

Wind in the Woolleys – The Woolley family have been happily resident since 2002. Harriet, Mark, Alex and Olivia (the latter 2 attended TGFS & TGMS).  Members of Football, Tennis and Cricket clubs, JJ’s and Local Vocals – hence always thirsty!”

Puttenham Place Showjumpers. Camilla Bingham – Here at Puttenham Place we are a family run set up that breeds and produces show jumpers. We’ve travelled to Europe following the circuit and hope to continue developing our yard into a top-quality show jumping yard with a selection of talented horses. We are passionate about horses and the level of care and commitment we give them and jumping at a professional level within the sport

Cooper Troopers – Adrian Cooper & Family – Adrian, his wife Heather and their 3 sons have been stalwarts of the local Scout group and provided logistical support for public events for many years. The Queens Platinum Jubilee group suggested that they should be recognised for their time and expertise.

Salters Meadow Summer – Bryan/Hallatt. The Bryan/Hallatt family are residents of Salters Meadow, Beacon Hill, Penn where they love their garden in the summer with its roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, poppies and croquet lawn.

Alfresco Affection – E K Hardie.  Hi, my name is Libby the Vizsla. My owner Emma and I have lived in the village all our lives and we love Common Wood. That’s where I fell in love with Leo the Boxer. We walked, we sniffed, we played and our love was undeniable. This book is a dedication to our love, memories & pawprints.

Kayaking across the Duck Pond – Karina Nordqvist Buckley. I lived in the village for over 20 years and attended both TGFS and TGMS, I have lots of fond childhood memories exploring Penn & Tyler’s Green with my friends and siblings. This book title is a clue to one of our many adventures…

Orla’s own Steps – Orla Brash.  Orla has cerebral palsy. In 2016 the village community came together to help raise funds for an operation and therapy to help Orla to walk on her own.  Today in 2022 Orla is still undergoing therapy, getting stronger and her walking is improving daily.

Pond Life – G G R J W Pond.  The Ponds. Gavin, Gill and sons Rory, Jamie and Will have lived locally for over 30 years . Gavin a local house builder, worked on the Penn and Tylers Green Scout committee for many years raising funds and helping to build the existing hut on Ashley Drive.  Red Lion regulars and avid Wasps fans.

Tales From The Cutting Room Floor – Paul Evans  Editing is a uniquely powerful art-form.  A hidden alchemy that weaves complex strands into compelling, coherent stories.  The Editor has the power to manipulate space, time, emotions, and emotional intensity to create the ultimate viewing experience from even the most unpromising material.  But many of the greatest cutting room stories don’t happen on-screen at all…

Daredevil Daisy – Ted Davis  For the past 10 years, Daisy has lived in the Davis household, exploring the streets of Penn & Tyler’s Green, whilst of course making sufficient time for sleeping, eating and cuddling. Daredevil Daisy is a story that details the many adventures that she may get up to, particularly if she wasn’t so spectacularly lazy!

The Pubs of Penn Street – The Mackens. Mary, Michael, Steve, & Jo served quality food and real ales, well known for hosting the infamous Penn Street Beer Fests for many years.

Suffragettes

Flora Murray – (1869-1923) Medical pioneer and anaesthetist.  Member of the Women’s Social and Political Union of Suffragettes, who ran the Endell Street Military Hospital, Covent Garden.  Lived in Paul’s Hill.

Louisa Garrett Anderson – (1873-1943) Medical pioneer and surgeon also at the Endell Street Hospital.  Member of the Women’s Social and Political Union of Suffragettes.  Lived in Paul’s Hill.

Agnes Savill – (1875-1964) Enlightened Medicine.  Scottish Doctor and suffragette, the first female graduate of the University of St. Andrews.

Sophia Duleep Singh – (1876-1948) Princess.  Daughter of the Maharaja Sir Duleep Singh, granddaughter of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh known as ‘The Lion of Punjab’, goddaughter of Queen Victoria, and suffragette.  Lived in Hilden Farm, (formerly Colehatch Farm) Hammersley Lane.

Muriel Matters – (1877-1969) Australian-born lecturer, journalist and educator. Handcuffed herself to a grille in the House of Commons and made an airship flight over London, dropping Women’s Freedom League (WFL) pamphlets. Lived in St. John’s Orchard.

Mary Gawthorpe – (1881-1973) called for a National Hunger Strike.  A trade unionist, socialist and editor.  Described by Rebecca West as ‘a merry militant saint’.

Ellen Cicely Wilkinson – (1891-1947) MP for Jarrow and Minister of Education from July 1945 until her death under Clement Atlee.  She Led The Jarrow March and was a founder member of the British Communist Party.  In the 1920s, she travelled to Russia and met Leon Trotsky. Ellen is buried in Holy Trinity, Penn Street. Lived in Twixlands (now Little Penn Farmhouse), Gravelly Way.

Educationalists

Eleanor Grove – (1826-1905) Translator and Educationalist.  Founder of College Hall in London that allowed women to “live in” and attend the University of London.  Lived in Swiss Cottage, now Alde House, between 1891 and 1903.

Rosa Morrison – (1841-1912) Linguist.  Lady Superintendent of Women Students at College Hall, lived in Penn Cottage from 1899 to 1911 and was lifelong partner of Eleanor Grove who lived opposite.

M K Filby – Headmaster of Tyler’s Green Board School between 1931-1961, wrote Making notes, a Headmaster’s guide.

Religious

Henry Cakebread –18 times Churchwarden at St. Margaret’s. Head gardener for the Rayners estate. He lived in The Lodge of the Rayners estate and later, in St. Endoc which Sir Philip had built for him.

Rev. G Hayward – 33 years Vicar of St. Margaret’s between 1918 and 1951

Rev. Oscar Muspratt – 45 years Vicar of Holy Trinity between 1944 and 1989

Rev. Mike Bisset – The Healing Vicar.  Vicar at Holy Trinity and St. Margaret’s between 2003 and 2022. The first time the two churches were united under one Vicar.

People of interest (who have lived in Penn in times gone by)

General William Haviland – (1718-1784) Inventor of The Pontoon Bridge.  Army Officer involved with defeating Bonnie Prince Charlie and was at the capture of Quebec from the French in 1759. Lived in Tylers Green House, (a large medieval, timber framed, mansion) by Widmer pond, pulled down in 1822. There is a monument to him in Holy Trinity, Penn.

Sir Courtenay Peregine Ilbert – (1841-1924) Barrister and legal advisor to Governor General of India and clerk to the House of Commons between 1902-21, lived in Troutwells.

Horace Parshall – (1865-1932) An American Electrical Engineer who worked on the Central London Railway, now part of the London Underground System, built Penbury Grove.  Parshall was married five times.

Sir Ambrose Heal – (1872-1959) English furniture designer and businessman, Chairman of Heal’s from 1913 to 1953.  Lived at Baylins Farm, Knotty Green.

Sir George Robertson – (1872-1967) Barrister.  Competed at the 1^st modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, also a tennis player, barrister and public servant, and lived at the Knoll, Paul’s Hill.

Robert Le Rossignol – (1884-1976) Nobel Prize winner Chemist & Philanthropist, accredited with work that contributed to Fritz Haber being awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery that virtually “made bread from the air” (the Haber process).  He generously paid for the building of Penn Mead.

Sir Arthur Whitten Brown – (1886-1948) Air Pioneer.  Navigator of the first successful non-stop trans Atlantic flight on 14^th June 1919. Taking off from St. John’s, Newfoundland in the open cockpit modified version of a WW1 Vickers Vimy twin engine bomber.  They landed 1,980 miles and 16 hours and 12 minutes later in Connemara, Ireland. There is a memorial stone to him and his wife in St. Margaret’s church yard.  They lived in Manor Road.

General Sir Brian Robertson – (1896-1974) Senior British Army Officer, became Deputy Military Governor of Germany from 1945 to 1948 and then Military Governor from 1948 to 1949. He lived at the Old Vicarage, Penn.

Tom Burrows – Blind Basket Maker (unknown) who lived in Beacon Hill and knew his way to St Margaret’s Church so well that he could walk unaided to take up his role as Verger and Organ Blower where he also sang beautifully.

Sir Charles Colston – (1891-1969) White Goods.  CEO of Hoover Ltd creating labour saving devices, e.g., dish washers, washing machines, also founded Rolls Colston Appliances Ltd.  He lived at The Danes, Hammersley Lane.

Herbert Morrison – (1888-1965) Inventor of Morrison Shelters.  Labour politician, Home Secretary in the Wartime Coalition and Deputy Prime Minister under Clement Atlee between 1945-51. He lived at Twixlands (Little Penn Farmhouse), Gravelly Way.

Geoffrey Perfect – (1922-2003) Perfect Homes Ltd.  Geoffrey was the grandson of Frank Perfect who founded Frank Perfect & Sons Ltd in 1898. Houses built by Frank and his sons, William and Frank, can still be seen in Church and Elm Roads. In 1964, Geoffrey started building larger, luxury houses in the local area. Geoffrey was the Founder of Alde House Care Home and was a Wycombe JP for 20 years. Geoffrey’s hobby was collecting vintage cars, including a Bugatti.  Lived at Glenmore, Church Road.

Prof Sir Karl Popper – (1902-1994) Scientific Philosopher and political commentator, described as one of the most influential philosophers of science of the 20^th Century.

Sir Barrie Heath DFC – (1916-1988) Spitfire Pilot in the Battle of Britain, became Chairman of GKN, winner of The Admiral’s Cup in 1963. Lived at Watercroft.

Joan, Lady Heath – married to Sir Barrie Heath. Lived at Watercroft and later at The Red House. Lady Heath is an intrepid traveller.

Barry Ercolani – (1921–1992) Managing Director of Ercol Furniture. Lived in Witheridge Lane.

Dame Mary Berry – (b. 1935-) English food writer, chef, baker and television presenter, most famous for publishing over 75 cookery books and acting as judge on The Great British Bake Off. Lived at The Red House and later at Watercroft.

Fern Britton – (b. 1957-) TV Presenter and author, co-presented “Breakfast Time” and “Ready Steady Cook”, as well as ITV’s “This Morning”. Lived at Little Coppice, Church Road, Penn, which was rebuilt in 2022.

The Wheeler Family – Builders to QC.  Zachariah Wheeler built St. Margaret’s Church and his great grandson Andrew was made Queen’s Council (he ‘took silk’) in 2017. Andrew is head of the Financial Crime (Fraud, Financial Services and Regulatory) Team at 7BR Chambers, London.

Lulu (Kennedy-Cairns) CBE (b. 1948) Scottish Singer and television personality, known for her powerful voice, married Maurice Gibb in 1969 from Lost Cottage, Back Common, where Maurice’s parents were living at the time.

Musicians

Anna Palmer – (b. 1987-) née Curzon, violinist specialising in baroque and classical music.  Plays with The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and The English Concert and has performed at BBC Proms, Royal Festival Hall, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Garsington Opera.

Cynthia Millar – (b. 1956-) Specialises in performing on the Ondes Martenot, an electronic keyboard instrument invented in 1928.  Especially effective in playing glissandi. Cynthia has played in more than one hundred film and television scores notably for Elmer Bernstein. She is the eldest daughter of Sir Oliver and Delia Millar and was brought up at Yonder Lodge.

Sir Arthur Sullivan – (1842-1900) known for collaborations with W.S. Gilbert including H.M.S. Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance and the Mikado. Sullivan wrote ‘Tit Willow’ in the garden of Watercroft, where he also wrote the tune for ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’.

Gerald Moore – (1899-1987) Classical pianist, best known for his career as a collaborative pianist for many distinguished musicians. He lived in the old Beechwood Cottage in Common Wood Lane.

Medics (read from bottom to top)

Martyn Lluelyn – (1616-1682) Physician to Charles II, also a poet. He owned Wingroves, which is now the Old Queen’s Head pub, Hammersley Lane.

Sir Sydney Beauchamp – (1861- 1921) Distinguished Medical Officer. He was obstetrician to Queen Alexandra.  Brother of Elizabeth von Arnim, author. He built and lived in Salter’s Meadow, Beacon Hill.

Lord Bertrand Dawson – (1864-1945) The King’s Death (George V).  President of the Royal College of Physicians from 1931 to 1937.  A private diary, unearthed after Dawson’s death, revealed that Dawson “therefore decided to determine the end” of the King’s life.  Thus, the King’s death was more appropriately announced in the morning papers, rather than the next evening edition!

Sir Malcolm Morris KCVO (1849-1924) was a greatly respected surgeon who specialised in dermatology, tuberculosis, public health and medical literature.  He was the founding president of the British Association of Dermatologists.   Sir Malcolm built and lived in Stumpwell, Beacon Hill in 1905.

Lord Lieutenant   

Elizabeth, Countess Howe – Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, 2020-2030.  Deputy Lieutenant in 1995 and served as High Sheriff for the year 2010-11.  Elizabeth Howe is involved with local charities and causes, including her work as Patron of Milton Keynes Islamic Art, Heritage and Culture (MKIAC), President of The Epilepsy Society, President of Amersham Band, and Chairman of Heart of Bucks amongst many others. Her professional background is in education, which is reflected in her commitment to schools and young people.

High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire

Elizabeth, Countess Howe, 2010.

Jenny Hopkirk, 2005 – Jenny was also Vice Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire from 2006 to 2011. She was married to the rally driver Paddy Hopkirk and they lived in Parsonage Farm, Penn

Alexander Shephard, 2001 – Lived in Stonehouse

2^nd Sir Philip F. Rose, 1889. Inherited Rayners

1^st Sir Philip Rose, 1878 – For many years was a partner in the law firm of Baxter, Rose, Norton & Co., resigning his partnership in 1872. The firm still practices today under the name Norton Rose. Built and lived at Rayners.

Daniel Baker, 1721 – Lived in Tylers Green House (a large medieval, timber framed, mansion) by Widmer pond. Pulled down in 1822.

Roger Penn, 1706 – Last male heir of the Penn family.

William Penne, 1656 – Lord of Penn Manor.

William Penne, 1624

John Penne – (1534-1596) Queen’s Escheator, 1574.  The Escheator’s role was to ensure that the Crown received its dues when a royal tenant died, either without a successor or when the successor was underage, because in both cases the property reverted to the Crown. It was a lucrative post. John was able to buy a good deal of property in Penn in the 1580s and ‘90s, including Baylins Manor, land in Forty Green, around Penbury Farm and from the Puttenhams of Puttenham Place.  John’s mother was Sybil Penne who was dry-nurse to Edward VI. He was therefore brought up in the household with the Princess Elizabeth (who later became Queen Elizabeth I).  It is probable that he achieved the position of Escheator through this connection.  John Penne was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity, Penn.

Alfred the Great – (871-99) Owned a 150-acre deer park in Penn as part of his Burnham estate; hence the naming of King’s Wood, The Chase, and King’s Ride.

Warning of Invasion – The beacon on Beacon Hill gave warning of the threat of invasion by the Vikings, and Normans during the 11^th century.

Holy Trinity Church – A foundation stone found beneath the chancel has the date 1177. The church is the only Grade I listed building in Penn.

Town Farm, Beacon Hill was a farm since the Saxon period.  Known as Remes until acquired by the Borough of Wycombe for the Hospital of St. John in 1548.

First Penn Tiler – Nicholas the Tiler was documented in 1212.

Nicholas de la Penne – hanged in 1222. He murdered his neighbour over pasturing a horse, in effect, a boundary dispute.

Hugh de la Penne – (1252-1276) Treasurer to Queen Eleanor of Provence, the wife of Henry III.

Sir John de la Penne – Knight of the shire and was assigned the Penne coat of arms in 1308.

Baylins Farm – 1325.  Built c. 1450, but earlier references were made to it in 1325, following the death of the owner of Segraves Manor and estate.  John Belynges owned a very large farm in Knotty Green. The name ‘Baylins’ may relate to him.

From Middle Ages – 1953 The Grove family-owned Stonehouse and lands including as far as Grove Place near Forty Green.

George III’s Cherry Eating Friend.  George III (1760–1820), looking through a telescope from Windsor Castle, saw his friend yeoman Grove, eating cherries on the Stonehouse lawn.

Stonehouse built on Sarsen Stones – sarsen stones were used as foundation stones for Holy Trinity Church and at Stonehouse. They are a type of silcrete rock, which is found scattered naturally across southern England and appear in fields in Penn and southern England.

Edward III – (1312-1377) Ordered 40,000 Penn tiles in 1344, “for the covering of the walls of the house of the Round Table at Windsor Castle and for the covering of stones in the same place”.  Penn tilers were the beneficiaries of much important royal patronage.

C14 Hotbed of Lollardy – C14–C16 The emergent proto-Protestant movement which opposed many practices of the Catholic Church.

Colmorham –the Saxon name for what we know as Tylers Green

1350-1380 – Monopoly of floor tile-making in the South East.  Especially popular for Royal Palaces. 15 kilns were working flat out to meet the demand.  The tiles were used extensively at Westminster Palace, The Tower of London, Whitehall Palace, Windsor Castle (where there were about 250,000 alone), as well as at other palaces, monasteries, churches, manor houses etc.  Amongst the earliest records for tile makers in Penn, is found, in reference to taxes paid in 1322 by John and Henry, ‘the tile makers’ and Simon ‘the paver’.

Puttenham Place, 1390- The building as it stands today was built as a small manor house c1450. A dwelling on the site probably goes back to Norman times.

The Doom – c. 1414.  Discovered in 1938.  A rare English painted tympanum.  One of only 5 surviving Doom (Last Judgement) paintings from medieval England.  The Doom in Holy Trinity has twice been lent to the V & A in London for exhibition.

Raising a Prince – Sybil Penne (b. unkown-1562) was mother of John Penne the Escheator to Elizabeth I and was appointed nurse to Edward VI from 1538 onwards. Sybil lived at court and as John was only a year younger than the Princess Elizabeth they may well have played together as children. Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth herself all gave Sybil Penn gifts, land and an annuity. Henry gave Sybil the string of pearls painted here.

Spanish Armada 1588 – The beacon at Beacon Hill set ablaze.

Jas Smith – Watery Grave, 1643.  A Roundhead soldier who fell into the Long Pond, possibly drunk but in any case, weighed down by his armour, drowned.

Charles I:  Death Warrant Signed by Sir Gregory Norton 1649.  Though Sir Gregory did not live in the parish, he owned one of the large family pews in Holy Trinity where his son Henry was baptised .  Sir Gregory was a baronet and barrister, owning the 177 acre Hampden estate in Penn,  purchased by his father in 1594.  Sir Gregory was an extreme anti-Royalist.  Having signed the King’s death warrant, he died in 1652 thus avoiding the certain grisly fate meted out to regicides by the returning Charles II in 1660.

Troutwells – Church Road, Penn.  Rebuilt after Charles II’s restoration in1660 by Sir Gregory Norton’s son, Henry, who had been disinherited for his loyalty to the Crown.  Records show that the cost of re-building Troutwells was £1,000 which was a very expensive house for the time.

Sir Nathaniel Curzon 2nd – (1635-1718) marries Sarah Penn (1654-1728) heiress to the Manor of Penn.

William Penn – (1644-1718). Quaker and Founder of Pennsylvania in 1681.

William Penn – married Gulielma Springett of Penn. She lived in the mansion opposite Widmer Pond.

The Knoll, Pauls Hill was built for Sir Nathaniel Curzon and Sarah Penn after they married in 1671.

1713 Highwayman hanged – Jack Shrimpton (father of the lace dealer Ferdinando Shrimpton) was a highwayman. Folklore has it that Jack would lie in wait in the beech trees (now the industrial park Knaves Beech) waiting for the coaches travelling from Oxford to London (along what is now the A40).  The horses would tire, slowing down on the incline. Jack and his fellow highwaymen would then jump the stagecoaches.  The incline (that now runs from the Tesco roundabout up to Beaconsfield) is still known as Cut Throat Wood.

Elms Planted 1726– by Daniel Baker outside the mansion, Tylers Green House opposite the pond, on what is now known as Elm Road.

Roger Penn – last male heir of the Penn family died 1731. His older sister Sarah, married Nathaniel Curzon, ancestor of our present Earl Howe.

400 Years of Lace Making in the Chilterns 1500-1900s

Ferdinando Shrimpton – (son of hanged Highwayman Jack Shrimpton) Lace Dealer 1717. The 1851 Census noted that there were 18,000 Lace makers in the Chilterns.  The industry stopped in the 1940s. There was a Lace school in the Old Parish Rooms, opposite Holy Trinity Church.

1735 Penn Cottage built. One of the oldest houses on the north side of Church Road, Penn.

The French School – (1796–1822) Edmund Burke was an Irish-born British statesman. He served as a member of parliament between 1766 and 1794 in the House of Commons with the Whig Party. In 1796, as a result of the French Revolution, Burke set up a school in the large mansion that overlooked the pond, for the sons of destitute French nobility.

The Comte d’Artois – officiated at the Prize Giving event in 1800, at the French School.  He later became Charles X, King of France (r. 1824-1830) while in exile in England.

The Old Bank House – Built in the late 17th century, with its distinctive Dutch Gables. It was briefly a Barclays Bank.

French Meadow – built C17 on the former grounds of the French School/mansion house/Tylers Green House.

Kings – The butcher from 1782-1982 on Elm Road.

Pennwood Lodge – c.1800 became Park Place – then Yonder Lodge. Yonder was the name of one of Mr. Wigram, the then owner’s horse.

Dell Cottage – built 1803, Church Road, Tylers Green.

Cobblers – built 1805, top of Beacon Hill.

The Free Methodist Chapel – built 1808, Church Road, Penn.

Lost Cottage – built 1811, Church Road, Tylers Green.

Watercroft – 1815 – The Pond of Seven Springs. Built by John Grove, and later owned by his nephew, Sir George Grove, musicologist (mentioned in the authors section). Sir George’s close friend Arthur Sullivan is variously said to have written ‘The Lost Chord’, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ and ‘Tit Willow’ in the former summerhouse at Watercroft. Sir Barrie Heath, Battle of Britain pilot, was also a resident until his death in 1988, also the food writer and cook Mary Berry until 2019.

The Old Vicarage, 1825 – Church Road, Penn.

The Old Bakehouse, 1826 – Elm Road, Penn.

1833 and 1835 Queen Adelaide and King William IV– visit Penn. The First Earl Howe was her Lord Chamberlain. The Queen was given lace made in Penn and subsequently ordered more.

Ray’s Yard, 1838 – Built as 4 cottages, Rays Lane.

The Old Rectory, 1838 – built as 2 cottages, Church Road, Tylers Green.

Blacksmith’s Cottage, 1840 – Now Slade’s garage.

The Brompton Hospital – 1841 Founded by Sir Philip Rose 1816-1883

The Chapel of Bethlehem, 1843 – Methodist Chapel on Church Road, Tylers Green(east). Confusingly there are 3 Church Roads in Penn and Tylers Green! In 1901, Church Road East was referred to as Monk’s Walk.

Figure of Disraeli – (1804–1881) Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, was a Conservative politician who twice served as Prime Minister. Disraeli was a close friend of Sir Philip Rose and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria.

Rayners – Built by Sir Philip Rose in 1847, Rayners and Colehatch farms formed an estate of 550 acres.

Laundry Cottages –School Road, Tylers Green.  Built in 1849 by Sir Philip Rose for the employees of Rayners’ laundry.

Cherries were sent to Covent Garden by horse and cart and later by train when in season. Until 1938 cherry orchards were the speciality of this area, after 1938 orchards reduced by 90% and are continuing to disappear.

Wizzle Street, Tickle Belly Alley – Old names of tracks on the back common.

Sir Philip Rose built St. Margaret’s Church. The Church was eventually built in 1854, but not without overcoming great difficulties. Between them, Philip Rose and Earl Howe contributed the larger part of the funds and endowment needed. The church was named St Margaret after Sir Philip Rose’s wife.

The Hollow Chestnut Tree – could have been planted in the early 19^th century. The hollow chestnut tree in Elm Road is a well-loved hiding place for small children.

Tyler’s Green Board School– The first school built in 1876.

Queen Victoria visits Rayners – 1881. The Obelisk in the grounds of Rayners was erected to mark her passing en route to Hughenden (the home of Disraeli).

Gladstone in Penn –gargoyle, originally at Rayners, now on the ridge of the front gable of The Elms in Elm Road, is a caricature of William Gladstone, Liberal Prime Minister and Disraeli’s political adversary. Sir Philip Rose, a great friend of Disraeli presumably commissioned this likeness of Gladstone, wearing a fool’s cap with a rat’s body.

Edward VII – shoots at Penn House 1894 (at the time he was Prince of Wales).

George V & Mary – The future George V shoots at Penn House in 1898.

Edward & Alexandra – Edward VII and Queen Alexandra join the shoot at Penn House with Mr & Mrs Keppel (the King’s mistress!) in 1902.

The Railway arrives at Beaconsfield in 1906.

Pony Cart Commute – In 1906, a horse bus ran from Mr. Reid’s stables near The Red Lion, Penn, but only if there were passengers and if the weather wasn’t too bad. It made two journeys a day, early morning and evening. The first motor bus ran in 1920.

Penn & Tylers Green Cricket Club – founded in 1908.  Cricket was initially played on the back common.  The current ground was given in trust by Francis Beddely (owner of Yonder Lodge in the early 1920s), in memory of those who had fallen in the Great War. Both cricket and football were played there from time to time, until it became the cricket ground in the 1950s and the Football Club bought their ground in the 1940s.

52 Men did not Return 1914-1918:  30 from Tylers Green and 22 from Penn.

The Busbys – The Busby family lost three sons in the Great War.  The family home was Church Cottages, Paul’s Hill.

The second Sir Philip Rose (1843-1919) – (son of the first Sir Philip who built Rayners) whose son died of war wounds in 1917 thus predeceasing his father.

Rayners 1911 The estate was inherited by the second Sir Philip Rose’s young grandson, whose trustees sold it to the London County Council in 1920. Rayners then became Penn School for deaf children and was sold to a private buyer in 2021.

Clarke’s Butcher – 1926-1988. Later The Dolls House and subsequently the Estate Agent, Jackson Howes.

George V – The Silver Jubilee Oak was planted in 1935 on the front Common near the bus stop.

Lime Row, 1937 – 30 lime and beech trees were planted on the back common in Honour of the Fallen of the Great War and the Coronation of George VI.

Barclays Bank – 1930–1970. From 1930 to 1936, Barclays was in Bank House, Elm Road and then from 1936-1970, in Bank House, Bank Road.

Queen Mother at St. Margaret’s – Queen Elizabeth wife of George VI, visited St. Margaret’s Parish Rooms 1940. Her visit was to encourage the Women’s Institute war effort, specifically in jam making.

Kindertransport – 1940-1945 –  “Journey to Life”- This was the British Government-sanctioned mission to bring 10,000 Jewish children to England. Children from Nazi Germany, Austria, Poland and Czechoslovakia were at great risk.  In the nine months preceding the outbreak of war these children were placed in foster homes schools, farms and hostels all over England.  The Tylers Green hostel opened in February 1940, with places for a maximum of 25 boys. The hostel was housed in the former Vicarage for St Margaret’s.  It was a large house, built in 1865 with seven bedrooms, three reception rooms, coach house and stables with farm buildings.   It also had a huge garden known as Vicarage Meadow which now lies behind the Hammersley Lane houses, part of which is now the graveyard extension.

Tomahawk Warrior B17 – 9 US Airmen were killed when the plane crashed near Lude Farm.  The airmen are remembered on Remembrance Sunday every year.

31 Men did not Return 1939-1945: 14 from Penn and 17 from Tylers Green.

The Cottage Bookshop – (1951–2019) A fantastic second handbook shop that was like an Aladdin’s cave.  Used as a film set in various episodes of Midsummer Murders.  It was a very sad day when The Book Shop closed. It is now two cottages on Elm Road.

1952… – Penn & Tylers Green – had 21 shops, 8 pubs, 2 banks and 2 coal yards.

The Big Freeze, 1963– One of the coldest winters on record. Skating took place on Widmer pond (which remained frozen for weeks on end), as depicted on this mural.  The snow started in December 1962 finally melting in April 1963. Rivers froze and 6-foot snow drifts were reported.

The Village Show – The Village show began as a recognised event in 1970.

Dutch Elm disease– In 1976, the elms which gave their name to Elm Road, succumbed to the disease and had to be felled.

Carols on the Common, 1977.  

The Penn Seven and Fun Run – These began in 1984 as a communal event to raise funds for charity.

Village Care – Instigated by Brenda Enticknapp a health visitor based at Penn Surgery in 1986, this volunteer group provides transportation for the elderly and infirm.

Village Voice – A magazine for the village about events, history and contact information, started by the Penn and Tylers Green Residents Association in 1987.

The main Penn Post Office, on School Road opened in 1920 and closed in 1988, leaving a sub post Office in Church Road (East), Tylers Green. 1989 – 2004. It is now 2 homes called Buckingham House.

The Great Storms – In 1987 and 1991, destructive storms felled many trees.

100 Crosses on the Common – 2018 – marked 100 years since the end of the Great War.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee – 1952-2022.  Four days of celebrations around the village from the 2^nd – 5^th June, to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

Amersham Gin, a popular local gin served at The Red Lion.

Left to right

Humphrey Wyndham Cook – (1893-1978) – Racing car driver. Stepfather of David Blakley, who was murdered by Ruth Ellis.

George Slade – (1886-1966) – Motor Cross in the 1920s and owner of Slade’s garage.

Bluebell Slade-Gibbs – (1908-1970) accompanied her father as sidecar passenger at the age of 15 and became an experienced racing driver in her own right.

Len Gibbs – (1904-1992) Racing car driver. He married Bluebell Slade.

Anthony Heal – (1907-1995) Racing car driver and son of Sir Ambrose Heal. Anthony was also a keen collector of historic racing cars and steam road locomotives.

Ted Dexter – (1935–2021) International Cricketer, described as an All Rounder, who captained Sussex and England in the early 1960s, known by his teammates as Lord Ted.  He lived in Orchard House, Manor Road.

Paddy Hopkirk – (1933-2022) Rally driver from Northern Ireland, who won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 in a Mini Cooper S number 37. Paddy was a major figure in British motor sport.  He was involved in numerous charities as well as being a former President of the British Racing Drivers Club.

Kenneth (b. 1972) and Gabby Logan MBE (b. 1973) – Kenny was a professional rugby player for Wasps and Scotland, whilst Gabby was a national gymnast who became a sports journalist and is most well-known as a TV presenter for BBC Sport.

Sir Ian Robert McGeechan OBE – (b. 1946).  The Lion King.  is a retired Scottish rugby union player who played 32 times internationally for Scotland. He won 8 caps for the British & IrishLions. Upon retiring, he began coaching, with a career spanning 26 years, winning the Premiership Rugby & the European Cup with London Wasps in 2007 & 2008. He was head coach on four tours for the British & Irish Lions spanning 1989 to 2009 and was an assistant to the 2005 tour as well.  He lived in Channer Drive.

Admiral Richard Howe, 1^st Earl Howe Richard (1726-1799) – Glorious First of June- British naval hero serving throughout the War of Austrian Succession and Seven Years War. Admiral of the Fleet.  The British fleet under Lord Howe led the first and largest naval action between the French and British during the French Revolutionary Wars. * Title extinguished on his death but re created for his grandson.

Richard, 1st Earl Howe (1796–1870) – Lord Chamberlain to Queen Adelaide, who was godmother to Earl Howe’s first daughter in 1835.

George, 2^nd Earl Howe (1821-1876) – Conservative party politician and Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant in the Prince Albert’s Own Leicestershire Yeomanry Cavalry. (Prince Albert’s Own).  Dog breeding was a hobby of his.

Richard, 3^rd Earl Howe (1822- 1900) – Professional soldier, became a General in 1880, and fought in the Kaffir War.

George, 4^th Earl Howe (1861-1929) – Lord Chamberlain and Treasurer of the Household of Queen Alexandra.

Francis, 5^th Earl Howe (1884-1964) – RNVR Commander, Member of Parliament and a motor racing driver and promoter. He drove several different racing cars including Bugattis, a Delage, two Mercedes, an Alfa Romeo, a Maserati, and a Ferrari. He won Le Mans in 1931.

Richard, 6^th Earl Howe (1908-1984) – Lieutenant RNVR.  With a life of public service he was appointed Justice of Peace in 1946 and served as President of the South Buckinghamshire Conservative and Unionist Association.  Chairman of Penn Parish Council between 1948-1973.

Frederick, 7^th Earl Howe GBE (b.1951) 18 years Government Minister under 4 Prime Ministers. He served as Minister for Defence, Health, Agriculture, as well as Whip and Deputy Leader of House of Lords. The longest continuously serving Conservative front-bencher.

At one time there were 11 pubs in Penn & Tylers Green.

The 4 books painted standing up are still trading, the 7 laying on their sides have all ceased trading. We start with a bottle of Rebellion brewery’s Roasted Nuts beer to celebrate our local brewery in Marlow

The Red Lion – Elm Road.  The Red Lion is likely to be one of two Penn alehouses recorded in a magistrates’ return of 1577. The present pub was purpose-built in 1725 and tied to Wethered’s Marlow brewery from 1813.  As of 2022 it became the home of The Library, a history of Penn and Tylers Green in book spines.

The Crown – Church Road, Penn.  The Crown is likely to be the second alehouse listed in the 1577 return. Owned by the Penn House Estate it was never tied to a local brewery. It became a hotel in 1934.

The Old Queen’s Head – Hammersley Lane, Tylers Green.  Appears in the first licensing records kept after the 1753 Licensing Act was passed, with Sarah Dennis as the first landlady. It was later tied to Wethered’s brewery. The first deeds of 1666 show it as ‘Bushes’,  possibly a small farm of of 5 1/2 acres. It was purchased by Martyn Lluelyn, one of Charles II’s physicians

The Horse and Jockey – Church Road, Tylers Green.  First licensed as the Traveller’s Friend beerhouse by 1838, and tied to Weller’s of Amersham, it changed its name several times. Until the 1880s it was known as both the Horse & Jockey and Horse & Groom

The Sportsman and Dog – Beacon Hill, Penn.  First licensed as the Hare & Hounds beerhouse by 1839, it was tied to the Lucas brewery of Wycombe. Closing in 1958 it is now two private houses, Sportsman’s Cottage and Dog Cottage.

The Fox and Pheasant – Church Road, Tylers Green (east).  First licensed as the Lion beerhouse in 1856, it was tied to the Lucas brewery. It closed in 1912, becoming a coal merchants and shop selling sweets until it was pulled down in 1936 to make way for Tylers Green Village Hall.

The Dog – Hazlemere Road. First licensed in 1832, this beerhouse was tied to the Lucas brewery. It closed in 1961, later being demolished to make way for what is now the entrance into Meadow Walk

The Horse and Groom – Elm Road was first recorded in 1838 as the White Hart beerhouse with James Jarvis as the licensee. Tied to the Nevile Reid brewery of Windsor, it had became the Horse & Groom by the 1850s, later sharing its name with what we now know as the Horse & Jockey. Closing in 2002 it is now the site of the village surgery and pharmacy.

The Rosebush –  Hammersley Lane, Tylers Green.  Not far from the Queen’s Head, this beerhouse, known as Baker’s Home and later the Rosebush, was first licensed in 1859. Tied to the Royal Stag brewery of Wooburn, it closed in 1957 and was demolished in 1958 to make way for Adam and Eve Cottages.

The Victoria – Elm Road, Penn. The Victoria beerhouse of 1868 replaced the second Traveller’s Friend beerhouse that had stood in Church Road (East) since 1849. Both houses were tied to Weller’s brewery. The Victoria closed in 1905 becoming a shop and then a private house, Victoria House. The copper bar and serving hatch are still in place.

The Bell – Bank Road, Tylers Green.  The building dates from 1769 and was first licensed as the Bell alehouse.  It was later tied to Wheeler’s brewery of Wycombe. Closing in 1923, it is now a private house, The Old Bell House. The building straddled the parish boundary of Chepping Wycombe and Penn.  It is said that when the landlord called “time”, the drinkers would reportedly pick up their beverages and move to the other side of the pub, where the closing time was half an hour later!

The photograph sitting on The Old Bell is of Lou (the present licensee of The Red Lion) and Bertie her dog.

People of interest (More recent/contemporary)

Rob Lawson – 101 Pints. Middle names of Calum Stewart, a previous manager of The Red Lion. He spent 18 months working here and went on to work in London as an insurance underwriter but still frequents the pub.

Hayley Stewart – Costume Diva.  Costumier on multiple film and TV projects including Quartet, Into the Woods, Death on the Nile, The Darkest Hour, Mama Mia II, Peterloo, The Witcher and many more.

The Lamonts – 65 years Film Art Dept. – Michael R. & Simon M. Lamont have worked in the film industry Art department all their working lives.  From Lawrence of Arabia, Oliver, Bond Movies, Harry Potters, The Dark Knight and many more.

Peter Brown – All the local news.  Founder and long-time editor of the Village Voice. He is the founder of the Fun Run, ex-Trustee of the Village Hall, author of the Penn & TG blog, and was Highly Commended at the Pride of Bucks Awards in 2022.

Bill Sadler – Smooth Runnings.  The ‘go to’ man and organiser of many memorable local events; the book-mark has David Byrne’s and Geoff Roberts’ initials, who assist Bill.

Oliver Embley – The Joy of Tax – Specialist solicitor in tax planning for high net worth  UK resident individuals, advising on Inheritance, capital gains tax, preparing Wills and administering high value and complex estates.  Winner of numerous awards including Partner of the Year at the Citywealth awards in 2021. Wedlake Bell.

Moir Stewart –The Laughing Policeman.  A commander in the Metropolitan Police, Chief of Staff to Lord Ian Blair, Director of Investigations at the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and after his retirement, the Chairman of the Heart of Bucks Foundation.

Tim Marshall – BBC and Beyond.  Head of Outside Broadcast at BBC before moving to Disney. Latterly, he was the producer of the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal British Legion.

Dermot Clancy – Larger than Life.  Chairman of Clancy Docwra Construction, originally known as M.J. Clancy & Sons Ltd, lived at Yonder Lodge.  He died in a tragic accident in September 2019.

Nick Holdsworth – The legend Postie – Our steadfast postman who delivers our post daily, come rain or come shine.

Neil James – Game, set & match. – Tennis coach at Penn and Tylers Green Lawn Tennis Club.

Phil Harper – In Safe Hands – Founder of FMIFA financial advisors.

Harold Wheeler – (1905-2009) – Centenarian. Worked at Baddeleys the grocer in Elm Road and was a valued member of the Tylers Green Brass Band.

Herbert Druce – (b. 1915) Centenarian. 107 years old. Former mechanic at Slades garage and 70 years a chorister at Holy Trinity Penn.

Leonard Hearne – Hero of Potters Cross, 1918.  Len, an air mechanic, whilst home on leave in the January 1918, rescued a little girl called Isobel Baily, who fell through the ice on Potters Cross.  The weather was cold enough to allow ice to form on the pond, but it was not thick enough to bear her weight.  As a reward, Len was given a packet of 10 Woodbine cigarettes! The colours of the book spine are the colours of the packaging of the day.

Liz Rockcliff – Another string to your bow.  Founder and owner of Strings music shop, Beaconsfield in 1992.  She relocated to Penn in 2006. Fantastic selection of stringed instruments.

Dip – Open all hours – King’s Ride Supermarket, helps locals with groceries when ‘snowed in’, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in fact at any time!

Geoff Jones – Quality Construction. Founder of the building company of the same name.

Joe Gleeson – Best Joint in Town.  Top quality butcher and founder of J.P. Gleeson.

Brian Beckley – Penn’s Perfect Pipes. Local heating engineer and founder of Penn Heating. Always there to solve our plumbing and boiler problems.

Laurie Hayes – Flying Carpets – Specialist floor and carpet fitter. Lovely chap who spins a great yarn and works best when supplied with copious quantities of tea!

JJs – established c. 2007 as JJ’s Delicatessen and Café on the Village Green, Hit the spot.

I do hope you have enjoyed this visual gallop through Penn and Tylers Green’s potted history.

My resources were many, including –

Published resources:

M. Green and E. Clark, The Rose Family: Rayners and Tyler’s End Green (Penn, 1982)
M. Green, Medieval Penn Floor Tiles: Made by England’s Leading 14th Century Tilers who gave their name to Tylers Green (Penn, 2003)
M. Green, Mansions and Mud Houses: The Story of Penn and Tylers Green Conservation Area (Penn, 2007)
M. Green, L. Tebbutt and B. Hunt, Penn and Tylers Green in Old Photographs: Penn and Chipping Wycombe parish councils (Stroud, 2007)
M. Green, William Penn and Quaker Links with Penn Parish (Penn, 2009)
R.P. Saunders, Penn and Tylers Green in the Great War and the Men Who Did Not Return (Penn, 2009)
M. Green, Penn and Tylers Green: Our Royal Connections (Penn, 2012)

Various back editions of the Village Voice

Online resources:

M. Green, The History of St. Margaret’s Church (1984) – https://tylersgreenchurch.uk/history-of-st-margarets/
History, Monuments and Memorials of Holy Trinity, Penn – https://www.pennchurch.uk/category/memorials/
History, Monuments and Memorials of Tylers Green Church – https://tylersgreenchurch.uk/history-of-st-margarets/

wikipedia.org
pennandtylersgreen.org.uk

I would like to thank Nico Flory (grandson of Sir Oliver & Lady Millar) and Madalyn Roker whose meticulous proof reading and technical skills made all the difference and finally thank you to every one who has contributed to this project.